Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine. His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, had founded the family winery in 1961 in one of the most traditional winegrowing regions in the world – the village of Vougeot, in Burgundy. Born in a room above the family cellars, he grew up within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos Vougeot. His involvement began early, accompanying his grandfather to the vineyards, playing in the barrel rooms and, as a teen, working several summers in the winery and cellars.

Jean-Charles completed his studies at the University of London, and moved to the U.S. for graduate studies in business and finance. He soon began work with Boisset’s American operation, and successfully developed a domestic portfolio of wines, while building a sales and marketing arm for the U.S. and Canada. He then joined the family management team back in Burgundy as Vice-President, and began to expand the Boisset holdings to become the third largest wines-and-spirits concern in France. He also ramped up the quality level by focusing on small-production wines from vineyards with very low yields that relied on organic or biodynamic farming methods.

However, having been exposed to American culture at a young age by both his parents and grandparents, Jean-Charles headed West again – ultimately to the vineyards of California. Continuing his search for premium New World terroir for Pinot Noir, Boisset added DeLoach Vineyards to its portfolio in 2003, followed by the 2009 purchase of Raymond Vineyards, and the 2011 purchase of Buena Vista Winery. The family had now also firmly planted their roots in California. Today, the Boisset family collection includes wineries that share more than 18 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world’s most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France, and to California’s Napa Valley and Russian River Valley. As if this weren’t enough, Jean-Charles would also find amour, marrying Gina Gallo in 2009, thus creating an immediate royal wine-family.

Join us as we talk with the charming and ebullient Jean-Charles, President of Boisset Family Estates, about his affection for California, his many wine innovations, and all things wine and philosophy.

3 Responses to “Go West Young Man – with Jean-Charles Boisset”

Wow! I’m a long time listener and fan of the show and I think it’s been the first time I’ve felt compelled to comment on a show.

I don’t know JCB irks me in a certain way. No wonder he chose business and marketing, he totally has the personality for it. And he completely took over the show, like it was all scripted. Shame on you guys that you were only able to ask soft ball questions. Your toughest one was your generic questioning about biodynamics. And I’m sure his honestly the nicest guy! But the story sounded like they started from a tiny romantic cellar in Burgundy but how did they go from that to the largest producer in Burgundy and second in France? Although you didn’t mention during the show that that’s what they are. And no mention to his marriage into the Gallo empire making them the largest producer in the world! It just sounded like they only make 25 case single vineyard bottlings!?!

It was uncomfortable to hear. Not your best day. You’ve got us used to pretty high standards. Please, keep it up!

Thanks for your comments. You took the time to lay out how you felt about the show means you care about it and that’s a pretty high compliment. Speaking for myself I think you’re right that we could’ve done better.
We never use a script for the show, But we do try to maintain a basic structure. My criticism of the show that would be it was too superficial. I do not fault our guest,I blame myself. We let the strength of of out guest’s personality distract us from more precision in our discussion.

We try to strike a balance between entertainment and education. The show certainly was entertaining but lack in the education point. I apologize about that, and I will do better next time.

Thanks for the response, Jay! It shows you care. And I have no doubt you guys always have the best intentions but can’t sometimes help but being swept away but some über-personalities or marketing-machines out there!

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GrapeRadio is a wine talk show. Show topics cover issues such as the enjoyment of wine, wine news and industry trends - the hallmark of the show is interviews with world class guest (winemakers, vineyards owners, wine retail / wholesale leaders, restaurateurs and sommeliers). The scope of the show is international so expect to hear many guests from around the world.

GrapeRadio has received numerous awards and honors including the 2008 James Beard Award for excellence in Journalism.

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